Rollable portable personal blanket

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an improved outdoor children&#39;s picnic blanket the size of a standard beach towel, with one side soft for comfortable seating, while the other is waterproof for protection from wet leaves or grass. The blanket may be rolled up and secured with a hook and loop attachment for easy transport or storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/287,268 filed Dec. 8, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

The subject matter relates to the comfort of an individual. It further relates to an article of manufacture that can be converted between a usable blanket configuration and a carrying configuration.

2. Description of Related Art

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

When children go to school or day camp in the summer, they are often asked to bring a towel with them to sit on the grass or sidewalk for lunch. However, regular towels do not prevent the children's clothes and lunch boxes from getting soaked by wet grass or covered in leaves. Moreover, no blanket is thick enough to make harsh concrete comfortable to sit on.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Applicant invented a mini picnic blanket that provides a solution to the above noted problems. The blanket has one side [010] that is soft like a beach towel for sitting. The other side [020] is a waterproof underside for protection. The blanket provides a large enough area for children to sit and eat their food comfortably. It includes a handle [050] so that it can be rolled up and carried when not in use.

The blanket is made of light and durable materials and is easy to clean.

The blanket is perfect for any outdoor activity. It is ideal for picnics, camping trips, and trips to the beach. It can also be used for play dates with toddlers, as it provides a comfortable area for them to sit and eat. The blanket also provides an extra layer of protection from the ground, keeping the children and their food free from dirt and mud.

The mini picnic blanket is an innovative solution to a common problem. It provides a comfortable and convenient way for children to enjoy their outdoor activities in a safe and clean manner. Its lightweight and durable materials make it easy to transport and store. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows children eating lunch outdoors on an embodiment of the blanket.

FIG. 2 shows the overall design and dimensions of an embodiment of the blanket.

FIG. 3 shows the waterproof material on the bottom of an embodiment of blanket.

FIG. 4 shows how an embodiment of the blanket rolls up & secures easily for storage.

FIG. 5 shows a handle [050] that allows for ease of transport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described examples or the application and uses of the described examples. Any implementation described herein as “example”, “exemplary,” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.

References in the specification to an “embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention and are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply examples of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Disclosed is an improved outdoor children's picnic blanket. The size of a standard beach towel, one side [010] is soft for comfortable seating, while the other is waterproof for protection from wet leaves or grass. The blanket may be rolled up and secured with a hook and loop attachment [030], [035] for easy transport or storage. Designed with school children, girl/boy scouts, and beach goers in mind, the blanket is perfect for any child who frequently engages in outdoor activities.

Disclosed is an improved outdoor children's picnic blanket. The size of a standard beach towel, one side [010] is soft for comfortable seating, while the other

is waterproof for protection from wet leaves or grass. The blanket may be rolled up and secured with a hook and loop attachment [030], [035] for easy transport or storage. Designed with school children, girl/boy scouts, and beach goers in mind, the blanket is perfect for any child who frequently engages in outdoor activities.

In one embodiment the blanket is a machine washable outdoor picnic blanket for children that allows kids to have space to sit comfortably while eating lunch outside.

The blanket can include a handle [050] so that it can be rolled up and carried when not in use.

The fabric comprising the blanket can be a soft towel fabric on one side [010] and a waterproof material on the other.

The blanket can be optioned and customized with various colors & names or initials on the handles [050].

In one embodiment the blanket is a children's picnic blanket with the dimensions 30″×60″, roughly the size of a beach towel. The top side [010] is a cozy material made of either fleece, terry cloth, or microfiber. The underside [020] can be composed of a waterproof polyester. The top and bottom are sewn together, and both sides are machine washable for convenience.

The blanket can be in a variety of vibrant, fun colors that will appeal to boys and girls of all ages. The blanket allows for children to have a nice space to eat lunch outdoors. Users sit on the soft towel side [010], while the waterproof backing [020] protects their clothing, skin, and food from wet grass or damp, harsh sidewalks. When not in use, the blanket can be rolled up and secured with a hook and loop attachment sewn into the underside [030] and a corresponding hook and loop attachment sewn onto topside [035]. In one embodiment, the blanket includes a flap

on a first end, wherein the flap [040] smaller in width than the body of the blanket along the short end, with the topside hook and loop attachment sewn onto the end of the flap.

Rolled up, the device is roughly the size of a lunch box.

In the rolled up configuration, in one embodiment, the blanket features a hollow central cylindrical space [065] and in an alternate embodiment the rolled up configuration lacks such a space [060].

The blanket can feature a handle or carrying strap [050] that allows children to easily transport their blanket anywhere. The handle [050] can also be customized with the user's name or initials.

The exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary. The exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary.

The blanket may be folded on both long sides to create two folds [070], [075], one on each long side of the blanket and with the folds folded to the top side to mate the top side surface to itself and keep the bottom side exposed to the exterior. In one embodiment, the folded over portions of each side do not overlap in the middle of the blanket but instead are spaced a small distance from each other [076], leaving only a small portion of the top side exposed when in this folded configuration. With this folded configuration, the entire top portion of the blanked is protected and unexposed to the environment when rolled up.

The blanket may be secured in this rolled-up position with a tie or band. In one embodiment, the tie may be a looped piece of fabric or ribbon with a string looped through the loops of the fabric, allowing the entire blanket to be secured in one neat package. The tie can be secured at the top of the blanket and then wrapped around the bundle. This will keep the blanket securely in place and prevent it from unrolling. This allows the entire blanket to be folded up into the same size and shape, creating a neat bundle that is easy to store. With the blanket folded in this manner, the tie or band can be secured in the middle of the blanket, keeping it securely in place.

In light of Covid, the blanket of the invention also keeps kids safely away from one another in their own personal spaces to eat while they are unmasked. The blanket of the invention is a safe and practical solution for parents and teachers looking for a way to keep their children healthy and happy. It is a great way to keep kids safe and give them a sense of independence while still giving parents or teachers peace of mind.

It is to be understood that the features or elements described and illustrated in an embodiment may apply to other embodiment(s).

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, 6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Furthermore, the Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the claimed invention and is for the purpose of quickly determining the nature of the claimed invention. 

1. A personal, rollable, and portable blanket comprising: a rectangular shaped top fabric layer configured to be soft for comfortable seating, wherein the top fabric layer is chosen from the group consisting of fleece, terry cloth, and microfiber; a rectangular shaped bottom fabric layer substantially the same size as the top fabric layer, wherein the top fabric layer and the bottom fabric layer are joined to each other to form a rectangular shaped blanket with a common edge around an entire perimeter; wherein the bottom fabric layer is waterproof; a flap connected to a short side of the rectangular shaped blanket, wherein the flap has a top side continuous with the top fabric layer and a bottom side continuous with the bottom fabric layer, and wherein the flap is smaller in width than the width of the short side of the rectangular shaped blanket; a hook and loop attachment sewn onto an end of the flap on the side that is continuous with the top fabric layer; a hook and loop attachment sewn onto the bottom fabric layer in a position such that when the blanket is rolled up starting from a short side of the rectangular shaped blanket opposite the short side to which the flap is attached, the hook and loop attachment sewn onto the end of the flap secures to the hook and loop attachment sewn onto the bottom layer fabric. a handle sewn onto the bottom fabric layer that is exposed to the outside when the blanket is rolled up starting from a short side of the rectangular shaped blanket opposite the short side to which the flap is attached.
 2. The blanket of claim 1 wherein the bottom fabric layer comprises a waterproof polyester.
 3. The blanket of claim 1 configured such that in the rolled up configuration there is a hollow central cylindrical space at the center of the roll.
 4. The blanket of claim 1 configured such that in the rolled up configuration there is not a hollow central cylindrical space at the center of the roll.
 5. A method of using a personal, rollable, and portable blanket, wherein the blanket comprises: a rectangular shaped top fabric layer configured to be soft for comfortable seating, wherein the top fabric layer is chosen from the group consisting of fleece, terry cloth, and microfiber; a rectangular shaped bottom fabric layer substantially the same size as the top fabric layer, wherein the top fabric layer and the bottom fabric layer are joined to each other to form a rectangular shaped blanket with a common edge around an entire perimeter; wherein the bottom fabric layer is waterproof, a flap connected to a short side of the rectangular shaped blanket, wherein the flap has a top side continuous with the top fabric layer and a bottom side continuous with the bottom fabric layer, and wherein the flap is smaller in width than the width of the short side of the rectangular shaped blanket; a hook and loop attachment sewn onto an end of the flap on the side that is continuous with the top fabric layer; a hook and loop attachment sewn onto the bottom fabric layer in a position such that when the blanket is rolled up starting from a short side of the rectangular shaped blanket opposite the short side to which the flap is attached, the hook and loop attachment sewn onto the end of the flap secures to the hook and loop attachment sewn onto the bottom layer fabric. a handle sewn onto the bottom fabric layer that is exposed to the outside when the blanket is rolled up starting from a short side of the rectangular shaped blanket opposite the short side to which the flap is attached. the method comprising: folding a first long side of the blanket toward a center line of the blanket such that the top fabric layer folds together and the bottom fabric layer remains exposed; folding a second long side of the blanket toward the center line of the blanket such that the top fabric layer folds together and the bottom fabric layer remains exposed; wherein the folded over portions of each side do not overlap in the middle of the blanket but instead are spaced a distance from each other leaving only a small portion of the top side exposed when in this folded configuration; rolling the blanket from starting from the short side of the rectangular shaped blanket opposite the short side to which the flap is attached; securing the hook and loop attachment sewn onto the top fabric layer to the hook and loop attachment sewn onto the bottom fabric layer, and utilizing the handle of the rolled up blanket to transport it. 